Irish Racing Yearbook 2004 The Irish Racing Yearbook 2004 was launched yesterday at the Irish Horse Racing Awards luncheon in Dublin´s Westin Hotel, and the 160-page publication is a must for any racing fan´s Christmas stocking.Feature articles include a revealing interview with Johnny Murtagh in which the former champion declares his intention to continue competing at the top level in 2004. Recently replaced by Mick Kinane as first jockey to John Oxx, Murtagh has been battling with weight problems brought on by a back injury he suffered in a freak accident at Royal Ascot in June.Murtagh confirmed that he plans to re-establish himself as one of the world’s leading riders. “There’s nothing else I’d want to do,” he said. “I´ve got an all or nothing personality - I want to do it right or not at all.'The Yearbook also contains features on Irish Horse Racing Award winners Dermot Weld, Paddy Mullins and Barry Geraghty plus there’s an exclusive interview with the Aga Khan in which he offers some advice to small breeders.Hector O’hEochagain has some tips for prospective racehorse owners in another of the book’s features while Mike Futter, who landed a monumental gamble on Aintree Grand National winner Monty’s Pass, passes on his hints on how to beat the bookies.Jamie Spencer also gives a first full interview since his appointment at Ballydoyle, while new boss Aidan O’Brien runs the rule over his leading Classic prospects. There’s also up-to-the-minute quotes from other top trainers – both Irish and English – on their leading hopes for the 2004 Flat season.There are race tickets and free bets to be won in the book’s challenging postal quiz. Always a best seller, the Irish Racing Yearbook is priced at E14.50, and is available in all good newsagents.
